Johnson Controls expanding to West Allis

West Allis-- Wisconsin's largest public company is expanding to West Allis. Hundreds of Johnson Controls workers will have new digs in a former factory turned office building that dates back to World War II.

The former Allis-Chalmers Hawley plant was built in the 1940's for work on the Manhatten Project that produced the first atomic bombs. Seven decades later, the renovated office complex is now home to CBS 58, U.S. Bank, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare offices, and soon...Johnson Controls.

A spokesman for the Glendale-based maker of building management technology, car batteries and interiors, says Johnson Controls will be leasing space in the building known as Renaissance Place. He could not confirm published reports indicating 800 new and existing jobs will be moving in. However, a spokesman for the building owner says it's safe the say the number is in the hundreds.

West Allis city officials had scheduled a Tuesday afternoon news conference to talk about a major employer relocating to the city, but abruptly canceled the gathering without explanation.

To meet the increased demand for parking, a 4-story, 630 space parking structure will be built on the property. Ground will be broken in June with completion scheduled for November.